12 Easy Thrift Store Halloween Costume Ideas
This year, skip the plastic-wrapped, mass-produced costumes and create something with character and history using vintage or secondhand pieces. Making a costume yourself is sure to have you excited to show off your thrifting (and halloween DIY) skills!
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a few thrift store Halloween costume ideas to inspire your Halloween ensemble.
Why Thrift Your Halloween Costume?
Compared to store-bought Halloween costumes, thrifting can be much easier on your wallet. But that’s just the beginning. Thrifted Halloween costumes also offer other benefits, like:
Uniqueness: While many people will wear the same vampire cape or cat ears, your thrifted costume will be one-of-a-kind.
Procrastinator-friendly: Forgot about an upcoming Halloween party? Thrift stores are always stocked with potential costume pieces (if you know what to look for).
Good for the environment: Every thrifted item keeps clothing out of landfills and reduces the demand for new production.
New wardrobe staples: Your thrifted costume pieces can become a regular part of your wardrobe even after Halloween ends.
With all those benefits of thrifting in mind, let’s get into 12 easy thrifted Halloween costume ideas you can try this year.
1. Nerd
To recreate the nerdy look, first find an oversized button-down shirt in plaid or plain white.
Next, grab high-waisted pants that are slightly too short. Suspenders can help you make a “nerd in high waters” look.
Thick-framed glasses are essential for the nerd costume. Many thrift stores have bins of old eyewear—just pop the lens out if you can’t see through the prescription.
Finally, add details like a pocket protector and slick your hair down with gel to give off the vibe that you might just be a reigning mathlete champion for 4 years in a row.
2. Hippie
Look for these hippie staples to show off your enthusiasm for peace, love, and secondhand finds:
Tie-dye, paisley prints, and earth-tones mixed with neon colors
Bell-bottom jeans or a peasant skirt
A Fringe vest (bonus points if it’s suede)
Headbands of all fabric varieties, especially leather, beaded, flower crowns, or bandanas
Round sunglasses
Layered beaded and peace sign necklaces
3. Pirate
Ahoy, matey! Pirate costumes are among the easiest thrift shop Halloween costume ideas.
Start with a white button-down shirt. Leave it partially unbuttoned or roll up the sleeves. Then, layer a vest or corset over top and wrap a scarf around your waist. For bottoms, tuck dark pants into knee-high boots or roll them up to your calves to combine with a pair of loosely fitted combat boots.
Wrap a bandana over your head and add chunky chains, rings, and a belt with a large buckle to round out the accessories. To complete the swashbuckling look, head to the toy aisle to find yourself a sword.
4. Cowboy/Cowgirl
For the classic western look, denim makes a perfect foundation, whether it's jeans, shirts, or jackets. If your thrift store is running low on denim, plaid button-downs are a good alternative. Keep an eye out for anything with fringe, studs, or western-style stitching.
While you can be a cowboy with just the basic items, a cowboy hat is what really sells this look. Leather is classic, but straw cowboy hats are often more abundant at thrift stores. Cowboy boots are also ideal, though any sturdy leather shoes will work in a pinch.
Add a red bandana around the neck to conceal your identity for any upcoming train heists or bank robberies.
5. Black Cat
Build your costume with all-black, fitted clothing, and then get to work on the accessories.
Instead of buying cat ears, you can easily make your own following these steps:
Get a black headband, cardboard, and black felt or fabric
Cut two triangles from cardboard and wrap them with the fabric
Sew or hot glue your fabric triangles to the headband
Add black fingerless gloves to represent the “paws” and draw whiskers on your face with an eyeliner pencil to complete your feline ensemble.
6. Ghost
Forget the holes-cut-in-bedsheet stereotype. You can thrift a memorable ghost costume with simple clothing items.
Draw inspiration from folklore and urban legends like the “lady in white”—a female spirit who often haunts abandoned and liminal spaces.
Find flowing white garments like vintage nightgowns, maxi dresses, or old wedding dresses to create an ethereal silhouette. Alternatively, thrift an all-white suit or a simple white t-shirt and pants.
Layer different textures for the best effect. Look for lace, tulle, or sheer fabrics to create that otherworldly, floating appearance. Add a large silver chain for an extra spooky gothic touch.
7. 80s Aerobics Instructor
For most ‘80s costumes, bright, neon colors are non-negotiable. Shop for spandex leggings, leotards, or anything in electric pink, blue, or green. Oversized sweatshirts with cut-off sleeves make the perfect top layer.
Leg warmers over white sneakers can add dimension to your look. You might find a vintage pair of leg warmers at your local thrift store, but you can also create your own from long, colorful socks. A headband and wristbands are the only athletic accessories you really need, but large, gold hoops will add extra '80s flair.
Big hair and sparkles complete this costume, so load up on the hairspray and layer on the glittery eyeshadow.
8. Athlete
Sports jerseys and athletic wear are abundant in thrift stores, making this costume idea an easy win.
Any team jersey works, whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or hockey. Pair your jersey with athletic shorts, sweatpants, or track pants. Remember to grab additional details like baseball caps or calf-length socks, then scour the sports section for hockey sticks, baseball bats, and other accessories.
If you want to add a fun twist to this costume, become a “zombie athlete” instead. Cut holes in your thrifted jersey and pants, muss up your hair, and add fake blood to your clothes and face to create an undead look.
9. Vampire
Vampire makes for a classic costume that features eternally fashionable pieces you can add to your wardrobe once the festivities are over.
Black, red, and white are your primary colors here. Look for dress pants, skirts, button-down shirts, and elegant dresses. Victorian-inspired pieces can make fun additions, especially poet shirts with high collars and full sleeves that recreate the timeless vampire aesthetic. Rich fabrics like velvet, silk, or brocade can further elevate your costume.
Once you have the outfit, add accessories like ornate jewelry—particularly anything with black or deep red stones. For makeup, use a pale foundation to give yourself pallor and paint some fake blood around your mouth.
To complete your undead transformation, you can DIY your own vampire fangs using white press-on nails and denture adhesive cream:
Choose nails from the set that are the same width as your canine teeth.
Cut the nails into a fang shape.
File the nails to smooth out rough edges and form a convincing point.
Add a dab of denture adhesive cream to the nails and hold them in place over your teeth for 10-15 seconds.
Remember not to sleep or eat with your fangs on to avoid swallowing them.
10. Alien
Space creatures don’t necessarily have to be green! Let your imagination run wild with this cosmic costume idea.
Look for clothing in metallic fabrics or neon colors to nail the sci-fi vibe without needing full-body paint. Mix and match unusual combinations that humans wouldn’t typically wear together to signal that this is your first day on Earth.
You can also use aluminum foil to fashion antennas or armor details. Meanwhile, large, unusually shaped jewelry or found objects can become alien technology. The weirder, the better for this interstellar costume.
11. Rockstar
Rockstar costumes can span decades, giving you almost endless inspiration. David Bowie, Joan Jett, Prince, or any rock icon can guide your thrifting mission. Look for signature pieces that define their style, like colorful scarves, specific silhouettes, or statement jewelry.
For punk rock vibes, grab a leather or denim jacket, especially if it comes pre-distressed. Ripped jeans, band tees, and anything with studs will tie this costume together. Black combat or work boots complete the rebel look.
Glam rock takes a different direction. You’ll want anything sparkly, metallic, or over-the-top. Sequined shirts, metallic pants, or anything with fringe screams rock god. Platform boots or shoes will add essential rock-star drama.
Finally, remember to check the toy section for prop instruments like guitars, keyboards, microphones, and drumsticks.
12. Greaser
This All-American rebel look is one of the easiest costumes to thrift.
A leather jacket is the backbone for the greaser style, but if leather isn’t available, try an oversized dark denim trucker jacket. Pair your jacket with a fitted plain white t-shirt. For pants, look for classic straight-leg blue jeans, like Levi 501’s, and cuff them at the bottom. Then, add classic black and white high tops for footwear.
Use lots of hair gel for a slicked-back style and carry a comb in your back pocket as a prop. Finally, practice snapping your fingers and walking with a swagger—greaser attitude makes this costume authentic!
Thrift Your Next Halloween Costume at ShopGoodwill.com
If you’re looking for some frighteningly good deals on thrifted Halloween costumes, ShopGoodwill.com offers the convenience of thrift shopping from home. Auctions end regularly, and new items are added daily.
You can search specifically for used halloween costume pieces or browse categories to find extra props, all while supporting job training and employment programs in communities nationwide with every purchase.
Sources:
Lia Griffith. DIY Felt Cat Ears. https://liagriffith.com/diy-felt-cat-ears/
Horror Chronicles. The White Lady: Ghostly Apparitions in Global Folklore. https://horrorchronicles.com/the-white-lady/
WikiHow. 5 Ways to Make Vampire Fangs at Home. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vampire-Fangs